How to Install a Suspended Ceiling

Ceiling Tile and Grid Installation Guide

Once you appoint a ceiling contractor, you may also need to consult the landlord, building control and a fire officer. Your contractor will be responsible for installing the ceiling to the correct standards and regulations.

Prior to starting, the client or architect will confirm the desired finished floor-to-ceiling height. We also advise drawing the ceiling design layout before installing. At this point, consider where lighting and services need to be located. You or the end customer should approve and sign-off the agreed design.

Plan the layout of the ceiling tiles from the centre of the room outward. Most tiles will be whole. However, it may be necessary to have cut tiles around the room perimeter. We recommend keeping any cut tiles larger than half the original size. In the UK, ceiling grid main runners are typically installed parallel at 1200mm centres. 1200mm long cross tees span perpendicularly between each main runner at 600mm centres. Additional 600mm short cross tees fit perpendicularly between the long tees completing the 600x600mm module suspended grid. If creating a ceiling using 1200x600mm tiles, the short cross tees can be omitted. In the primary direction, you must use main runners adjacent to the perimeter walls. Therefore, in some instances you may have main runners next to each other at 600mm centres.

We recommend a minimum suspension height, clearance or void of 100mm. This is to ensure the tiles can be installed and removed for future access. However, a larger void may be necessary for additional services or integrated lighting.

OWA UK stocks a large range of systems, ceiling tiles and suspension grids at our warehouse in Birmingham. All materials are available within 3-5 days. Please contact your local interiors distributor for pricing.

Step 1:

The contractor will have all the tools and equipment necessary to complete the installation. But, for detailed instructions please refer to our comprehensive installation guidelines. Firstly, a tape measure, spirit level and laser are essential to mark the ceiling height on each wall. Ensure all lines are the same height and horizontal. The first step is to attach the perimeter L-trim to the wall using a suitable fixing. Then, the installer must choose the correct fixing based on the wall material. Install the fixings at minimum 300mm centres depending on the ceiling load.

Step 2:

Next, the contractor will mark the locations for the main runners on opposing walls, ideally spanning the widest part of the room. Vertically above the proposed main runner locations, mark hanger fixing points on the soffit. Start between 400mm and 1200mm from the perimeter and spaced at maximum 1200mm centres. Then, the contractor will select and install the appropriate fixing for the substrate and perform random pull-out tests. Suitable hanger options include rigid adjustable hangers, Ø2mm pre-stressed galvanized wire, or galvanized angle. NB. pre-stressed wire is supplied in a coil, and it will need to be straightened before use.

Step 3:

Trim each main runner accordingly so the end sits on the perimeter trim and the slots align with the perpendicular cross tee locations. Secure the primary main runners to the chosen hanger with a suitable fixing or securing method, ensuring to stagger any main runner joints.

Step 4:

OWA supplies two different 24mm grid designs, a hook grid (T24 hook) or a click grid (T24 cliq). The end of each grid profile has a different connection profile. However, both are installed using the same method. The hook long cross tee hooks into a slot in the main runner and the visible joint is a cut butt joint. The end of the cliq long cross tee pushes into the slot in the main runner and clicks into place. The joint is called a joggled joint where a small portion of the tee overlaps the main runner. This prevents seeing any visible gaps from below.

Install the long 1200mm cross tees perpendicularly between the main runners at 600mm centres. Install the small 600mm cross tees perpendicularly between the long cross tees to complete the 600×600 grid structure. If installing 1200x600mm tiles, you don’t need to install the small tees.

Step 5:

After installing the grid, it will need levelling with the aid of a laser. Where portions of the grid aren’t level, adjust the hanger or loosen the wire or fixing and resecure accordingly. Once level, true and square, all main runners and perimeter cross tees over 600mm must be fastened to the wall with a suitable bracket and fixing.

Step 6:

After levelling, the tiles can be placed into the grid openings. The installer must take note of any directional arrows or markings on the tile backs. Begin by inserting whole tiles in the centre of the grid, setting aside any damaged ones for later use as cut tiles. Finally, measure and cut the perimeter tiles to complete the installation. For a standard suspended ceiling, the tiles remain unclipped to ensure they are removable for access and maintenance.

This is a summary of the process. Please refer to our comprehensive installation guidelines. Additionally, the Finishes and Interiors Sector also provides a detailed guide. Click the link to download the FIS best practice guidance.